Honiara, Solomon Islands – February 21, 2025 – The Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) is making developments in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Upper Tina Catchment, a vital natural area in the Solomon Islands. On February 19, 2025, key stakeholders gathered at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM) to discuss how to ensure the long-term health of this ecosystem as the project nears its completion in 2028.
The meeting brought together Pradip Verma (Project Manager), Director Josef Hurutarau (MECDM), Sahibzada Ahmed (Environment and Social Safeguards Manager) and Mandus Boselalu (Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer) to address critical issues. Mr. Sahibzada Ahmed stressed the need for a clear, actionable plan to protect the Upper Tina Catchment’s biodiversity beyond 2028. A major step forward is the secondment of an MECDM staff member to the Project Office, ensuring knowledge transfer and strengthening local ability to manage conservation efforts. This officer will work closely with the project’s environmental team to uphold biodiversity commitments.
One of the key challenges discussed was the potential threat of mining activities near the catchment. To address this, the group proposed a three-year timeline to declare protected areas, with flexibility to extend based on local conditions. Engaging local tribes and provincial governments was highlighted as essential for success, with calls for structured incentives to encourage community participation in conservation.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of collaboration. MECDM and Tina Hydropower Limited (THL) have agreed to conduct joint audits to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards. A quarterly audit schedule was proposed, with the first visit planned soon. Additionally, idea of partnerships with NGOs and various donors were discussed to secure funding and support for biodiversity initiatives.
Immediate next steps include completing the biodiversity management plan, selecting a consulting firm to aid, and organizing site visits for MECDM’s monitoring team. The group also committed to defining stakeholder roles and creating a detailed workplan for the Upper Tina Catchment by the end of the quarter.
The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with all parties pledging to work together to safeguard the Upper Tina Catchment’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Caption: L-R: Mr. Josef Hurutarau, Director of MECDM, Mr. Pradip Verma (Project Manager-Project Office), Mr. Sahibzada Tanzeel (ESSM-PO), and Mr. Mandus Boselalu (ESS Officer).
For more information, contact:
Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com
Tina Hydropower development project
+677 25133
About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)
The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com
A National Project of Solomon Islands | Tina River Hydropower Tina River Hydropower is a National Project of Solomon Islands and has as its objective to provide more affordable and reliable energy options to Honiara. www.tina-hydro.com |
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